Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are popular amongst teenagers, but studies have shown that spending too much time on these forums can be a detriment to their development and overall health. Specifically, studies indicate that social media can have a substantial negative impact on our teenagers' mental health. The Pew Research Center found that 36% of teens believe social media has a mostly negative effect on their mental health. This is concerning since 70% of teenagers in the United States see anxiety and depression as significant problems among their peers.

One negative impact of social media is sleep disruption. Scrolling through social media late into the night, can affect sleep quality and leave adolescents feeling tired and sluggish the next day, which can often lead to poor academic performance. Another concern is the ways in which social media affects social skills and communication. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers who spent more time on social media were more likely to lack social skills than those who spent less time on online platforms.

Even more alarming, social media can expose teens to cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content. It's crucial to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to protect our kids from these potential dangers.

To mitigate these negative impacts, parents can set limits on screen time and encourage kids to engage in other activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing, like sports or other hobbies. We can also talk to our children about the risks of social media and work with our schools to help improve face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills.

Social media is a great source of entertainment and learning, and can bring value to our lives when used appropriately. Being mindful of the negative impacts and taking steps to use social media in more productive ways can ensure that social media remains a positive force in our lives.